Today we’d like to introduce you to Laila Harrison.
Hi Laila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story really kicked off in college, where I was studying Public Policy. That’s when I jumped onto a student production team and got a taste of making something from scratch—a feeling I got hooked on. Then, the pandemic hit, and like everyone else, I was cooped up and had a lot of time to think. That’s when I decided it was time to stop planning and start doing. My dad was a huge support, hooking me up with the gear I needed to dive into filmmaking for real.
I tried my hand at everything from short films to music videos. It was cool, but when I stumbled into documentaries, it felt like I’d hit my stride. My background in Public Policy really meshed with the documentary work, giving it all a deeper purpose.
But my path’s veering again, this time towards AI. It’s been the talk of the town, right? AI’s shaking up job sectors left and right, and it’s got me thinking about the big picture—policy and ethics. Because here’s the thing: just having tech at our fingertips doesn’t mean we get it. It’s like giving a kid a hammer—they could build something amazing or wreck the place. I’m betting on the first option.
So now, I’m soaking up everything AI—how it can change the way we edit, shoot, or even come up with ideas. But I’ve got this itch to hit the books again, maybe go for a Master’s. I’ve navigated the academic waters before, and I’m ready to dive back in. It’s about making sure we’re using AI with intention, not just letting it run wild. That’s the goal.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, the road’s been anything but smooth, and I think that’s the case for most of us trying to carve out a path in creative fields—or any field, really. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes and faced setbacks that were tough in the moment. But looking back, those were the moments that taught me the most.
I’ve evolved a lot from the person I was when I first picked up a camera. And I fully expect to keep evolving because that’s what this journey is all about—continuous growth and learning. There’s this old notion I remind myself of sometimes: the archaic definition success is “the good or bad outcome of an undertaking.” That tells me success is about moving forward, regardless of the outcome. So, by that definition, as long as I’m pushing ahead, learning, and not giving up, I’m succeeding. And that’s what I plan to keep on doing.
Plus, it helps that I have a great support system and community around me. I really wouldn’t be where I’m at today without the amazing people I have in my life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Right now, my world revolves around documenting life—capturing events, people, and those fleeting yet significant moments that tell a story. I had the amazing opportunity to expand my skills as an associate producer, which landed me projects with big names like Microsoft and NBC.
People often describe me as that ‘girl with a camera’, someone who’s a bit eclectic and introverted, but also really open and warm. That’s kind of my signature approach. I have a passion for shedding light on untold stories, especially those of hidden figures, maybe because I see a part of myself in them. My focus is often on women, and particularly on black women, whose stories I feel are rich with depth and often go unheard.
But beyond any specific group, I’m drawn to universal human struggles—the battles with depression, the search for a voice, the courage it takes to reinvent oneself, and the process of accepting change. These themes are universally human, and I believe that by sharing these experiences, we tap into something deeply communal. It’s about capturing the essence of what it means to be human, the transformational arcs that prevent us from becoming static.
What I’m proudest of and what sets me apart, I think, is my ability to find the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary and my dedication to the stories that resonate on a human level—those that reflect our shared experiences and challenges. My camera is my tool for bringing these narratives to the forefront in the hope of fostering understanding, empathy, and change.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Even though I’m quite transparent and people usually can read me like an open book, there’s one thing that might come as a surprise—I’m currently learning French. And here’s the cool part: I’m using ChatGPT to create a custom French textbook. It’s been a unique and innovative way to blend my love for technology and learning a new language.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lailajhane.com
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/lailasherself/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laila-harrison/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/lailajhane
Image Credits
Headshot: Artemus Jenkins The image with the taxis is 100% AI generated.
